Jim Moir has opened up about how he copes with deafness after suffering a brain tumour and why he’s decided to leave alter ego Vic Reeves behind for a quiet life in Kent.

The 66-year-old beloved comedian and artist – who is best known by his stage name Vic Reeves – reflected on having a benign brain tumour which has left him ‘100% deaf’ in one ear in a new interview.

Back in 2021, Jim found out that the growth is inoperable and has curtailed his hobbies such as listening to music and bird watching.

Jim – who found fame with Bob Mortimer in the 90s – has touched on his daily life living with deafness.

Describing his morning routine after ditching the limelight to The Times, he explained how he likes to get ‘four hours’ painting in by 10am, so I’m in my studio at the bottom of our garden at 6.’

He said: ‘Music drowns out the tinnitus caused by a benign brain tumour that was found in 2021. I got used to being 100% deaf in one ear quite quickly.

Jim Moir (pictured with his wife Nancy last year), better known by his comedian name Vic Reeves, has opened up about how he copes with deafness after his brain tumour – and why he’s decided to leave his alter ego behind

Jim and his sidekick Bob Mortimer found fame in the 90s – but now he has ditched the fame for a more peaceful life

Jim then touched on how art has been his life, and that ‘comedy was a bit of a distraction.’

‘People presumed I was Vic Reeves because he was the most popular character I played, but I just stopped wanting to do it,’ he candidly shared.

‘I like being at home and wanted to do a different kind of art. Bird prints are my bread and ʙuттer, but I’m also doing bronzes and painting lots of beetles.’

He also described his 97-year-old mum as his role model.

Jim, who lives in Kent with his wife Nancy, 50, previously said: ‘I get up every morning very early, go into the studio, paint, and go out for a walk in the afternoon. I like that a lot better.’

Describing life after quitting fame, he shared that he likes to keep himself busy and ‘doesn’t know if it’s an OCD thing’ but he likes routine.

The last public appearance he had with Nancy was in September last year as he attended the 2024 Sky Arts Awards in London.

Jim, who lives in Kent with his wife Nancy, 50, celebrated 20 years of marriage together back in 2023

Jim (right) touched on how art has been his life, and that ‘comedy was a bit of a distraction’ as he leaves his Vic Reeves legacy behind

The pair celebrated 20 years of marriage in 2023.

The comedian commemorated the occasion by sharing snaps of himself and his wife, who is 15 years his junior, wearing matching personalised T-shirts.

Vic and Nancy sported T-shirts printed with pictures of them dressed up in wigs and glᴀsses, with the words ’20 years’ underneath.

He captioned the snaps: ‘Happy anniversary to us. 20 years of love and happiness.’

Nancy replied: ‘Love you Bee.’